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Here’s all about Hydrocotyle tripartita — also known as Hydrocotyle "Japan", a popular aquarium plant known for its bright green clover-like leaves, fast growth, and excellent use as a foreground or carpeting plant in aquascaping.


🌿 Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle tripartita

  • Common Names:

    • Hydrocotyle "Japan"

    • Japanese Pennywort

    • Clover Leaf Plant

  • Family: Araliaceae

  • Origin: Southeast Asia and Australia


🌱 Plant Description

  • Leaf Shape: Small, clover or fan-shaped with three lobes

  • Leaf Color: Bright green

  • Growth Habit: Creeping, bushy, and mat-forming

  • Height: 3–10 cm (1–4 inches)

  • Growth Rate: Fast, especially under high light and CO₂


💧 Tank Requirements

Parameter Ideal Range
Temperature 20–28°C (68–82°F)
pH 5.5–7.5
Hardness Soft to moderately hard
Lighting Medium to High
CO₂ Strongly recommended for compact growth
Substrate Nutrient-rich preferred (but can grow in sand or gravel if fertilized)

🌾 Growth & Propagation

  • Growth Style: Horizontal runners forming dense mats

  • Trimming: Requires regular trimming to prevent vertical growth and maintain carpet

  • Propagation: Easily propagated by cutting and replanting the runners or individual stems with roots

  • Tank Placement: Ideal for foreground, carpet, or terracing small slopes


🌟 Aquascaping Use

  • Common in Iwagumi, Dutch, and Nature-style aquascapes

  • Creates lush, green carpets or low mounds

  • Can climb up rocks or driftwood if allowed

  • Pairs beautifully with:

    • Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)

    • Glossostigma elatinoides

    • Monte Carlo


🧠 Care Tips

  • Needs high light and CO₂ for compact, healthy growth

  • Trim frequently to avoid tall, leggy stems

  • Keep it unshaded for a flat carpet

  • Avoid planting too deep; roots should touch the substrate but crown should be exposed

  • Supplement with liquid fertilizers or root tabs


⚠️ Common Issues

Issue Cause
Yellowing or melting CO₂ or nutrient deficiency
Upright, tall growth Low light or irregular trimming
Sparse carpeting Weak runners due to poor light/ferts
Algae on leaves High light without balancing nutrients or CO₂

🐠 Compatibility

  • Perfect for shrimp tanks — shrimp love grazing on the dense foliage

  • Provides hiding spots for fry

  • Safe for all peaceful fish

  • May be nibbled by plant-eaters like goldfish or some snails


📌 Quick Summary

Feature Detail
Type Creeping foreground plant
Color Bright green
Growth Rate Fast (with CO₂ & light)
Placement Foreground, carpeting, or mounded accents
Lighting Medium to high
CO₂ Requirement Recommended for compact growth
Difficulty Moderate

Why Choose Hydrocotyle tripartita?

  • Offers fast, lush carpeting with minimal vertical growth under the right conditions

  • Brings a fresh, clover-like texture to planted tanks

  • Versatile: Can climb, drape, or spread

  • A favorite among aquascapers for ease of shaping and trimming



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